WASHINGTON: A House Ethics Committee report uncovered evidence linking former Rep. Matt Gaetz to payments for sex, drugs, and statutory rape.
The investigation revealed Matt Gaetz made multiple payments to women, often via PayPal or Venmo, for sex and illicit drugs.
One woman, just 17 years old in 2017, disclosed receiving $400 from Gaetz for sex during a party, investigators said.
Though unaware of her minor status, Gaetz failed to confirm her age and allegedly used cocaine during the event.
The report detailed transactions showing Gaetz funded encounters through a “sugar dating” website operated by friend Joel Greenberg.
Greenberg, serving an 11-year sentence, corroborated claims Gaetz knew women were paid for sex through the platform.
The committee cited text messages and online payment records as evidence, describing frequent exchanges between Gaetz and multiple women.
Gaetz Allegations
The panel confirmed Gaetz used cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana during events between 2017 and 2019, violating conduct rules.
A 2018 Bahamas trip implicated Gaetz in accepting illegal gifts of transport and lodging while engaging in illicit activities.
The panel also highlighted Gaetz’s assistance to a woman he met through Greenberg in obtaining a passport under questionable circumstances.
Gaetz has denied the allegations, asserting his single-life activities were consensual and within legal boundaries.
The Ethics Committee clarified Gaetz violated Florida’s statutory rape law but found insufficient evidence for federal sex trafficking charges.
Gaetz resigned amid his failed bid for attorney general, raising speculation his exit aimed to halt the committee’s investigation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed releasing the report, arguing Gaetz’s resignation exempted him from further scrutiny.
Despite denials, the report documents evidence suggesting a clear pattern of unethical conduct during Gaetz’s Congressional tenure.
Gaetz, now set to join One America News Network as an anchor, has repeatedly denied involvement with minors or criminal activities.
His case marks one of few instances where a report on a former member was made public post-resignation.
